OpTic Gaming the latest team to drop from Galaxy Battles II

Photo courtesy of Beyond the Summit by Robert Paul

OpTic Gaming is the latest team to withdraw from Galaxy Battles II after Valve cut ties with the organization and removed the event's Pro Circuit status.

When Valve issued their statement and decision regarding the removal of Galaxy Battles II from partnership and status as a Major in the Pro Circuit system, several teams including Virtus.pro, Team Secret and Team Liquid were quick to renounce their participation in the event.

While the event is no longer associated with the new Pro Circuit system or Valve, organizers have stated the event will continue without the software and technology company's involvement.

We at the Galaxy Battles Management respect the decision made by the Valve Corporation to withdraw the Major status of the upcoming Galaxy Battles II, at the Philippine Arena on January 19th - 21st, 2017. Rest assured, the event will go on as scheduled. ”

The tournament is expected to still take place at the Philippines Arena in Bulacan, Philippines January 15-21st with a $500,000 prize pool. Format and team participation will be adjusted accordingly and more information will be forthcoming on the Galaxy Battles official Facebook page: facebook.com/GalaxyBattles.

Galaxy Battles II directly invited teams:

Newbee
OG
TNC
Infamous
LGD.Forever Young
Evil Geniuses
Team Liquid (withdrawn)
Virtus.pro (withdrawn)

Galaxy Battles II qualified teams:

CIS 1 slot - Team Spirit
South East Asia 1 slot - Mineski
Europe 1 slot - Team Secret (withdrawn)
North America 1 slot - OpTic Gaming (withdrawn)
China 1 slot - VGJ.Thunder
South America 1 slot - paiN Gaming
Wildcards 2 slots